Reflection by Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/CEO
The Archdiocese of Dubuque serves more than 190,000 Catholics across 30 counties in North Central and Northeast Iowa, encompassing roughly 17,400 square miles. One of the few U.S. archdioceses not centered in a major metropolitan area, the archdiocese includes 163 parishes and is supported by 161 archdiocesan priests, 82 of whom are in active ministry. Archbishop Thomas Zinkula, installed as the 11th Archbishop of Dubuque in October 2023, leads the archdiocese alongside Superintendent of Schools Cathy Walz, Ed.S.
During this stop on the Bright Lights of Catholic Education tour, I had the opportunity to spend a deeply inspiring day in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. It was a journey made even more special by the presence of Archbishop Thomas Zinkula, who graciously spent the entire day with us. Traveling through the rolling landscapes of Iowa alongside a shepherd so clearly dedicated to his flock was the perfect way to begin our school visits.
Our day began in Independence at St. John Catholic School. While I didn’t have the chance to meet the school’s famous four-legged staff member, McCoy, as he was home that day, I certainly felt his presence. The students spoke of McCoy with such affection, sharing how he helps comfort kids having a difficult day and how they take responsibility for his care. It was a perfect introduction to a school that clearly prioritizes the “whole child.”
St. John’s is a place where joy and curiosity are part of the curriculum. I was fascinated to hear about their unique hands-on science projects, like tagging monarch butterflies for research. I was also impressed with their popular and successful archery club that shines at local and regional competitions. The school’s commitment to technology is also impressive; as a 1:1 Chromebook school for middle schoolers, they even have students as young as first grade learning to code. It is a community that successfully balances its historic roots in the heart of Independence with a forward-thinking “Eagles” spirit.
From there, we traveled to Waterloo to visit Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta (BMAP) Middle School. The spirit of their namesake is vibrantly alive here. I was deeply moved when one of the students presented me with a religious medal bearing the image of Blessed Maria. As she handed it to me, she spoke with such pride about Blessed Maria’s life and the legacy of service she left behind. That same spirit of leadership is reflected in their “Leader in Me” program. The student ambassadors I met were a testament to this initiative, as they took the lead in welcoming us and sharing the school’s mission with remarkable confidence.
The inclusivity at BMAP is truly a “bright light,” particularly their robust ELL program, which supports 40% of their diverse student body. This commitment ensures that every student, regardless of background, is molded into the “best version of themselves.”
The afternoon was spent in Cedar Rapids within the Xavier Catholic School System. At Xavier High School, the sense of “Saints” pride was contagious. Here I saw a school that masterfully blends traditional faith with modern innovation. I was especially struck by their Industrial Technology program, which prepares students for essential trades like carpentry and construction, and their student-run gear/spirit-wear store. In the store, students don’t just sell shirts; they manage inventory, analyze profit margins, and handle business operations—a fantastic example of real-world learning. As I purchased my shirt, the students did a great job ensuring my experience was a positive one, even though they were just learning how to use all the technology and POS system.
While at Xavier, we paused for a Zoom briefing with the Office of Catholic Schools and their school leaders. This was a great chance to hear directly from administrators across the archdiocese about their specific needs and for me to share the latest happenings and initiatives at NCEA. These moments of alignment and professional development are vital for the continued growth of our national network, and I was grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many dedicated leaders at once.
Our final stop was LaSalle Catholic Middle School, where I learned all about the exciting future of the school. LaSalle and Regis Middle School are currently preparing to merge into the new Xavier Middle School. I was struck by the excitement of the teachers, as several were heading to planning meetings with their colleagues from the other school. The thought of a brand-new building with the synergy of these two schools coming together had the hallways abuzz.
I was also so impressed by the students, who were incredibly welcoming. I was greeted at the door by student leaders who looked me in the eye and shook my hand with genuine poise. As they spoke of their community, you could feel the connection they had to each other and their school family. Whether it was the Rosary Club or their award-winning show choir, the students at LaSalle are clearly “unafraid to follow Jesus Christ.”
I am profoundly grateful for the hospitality shown by the Catholic Schools Office and Archbishop Zinkula. Throughout the day, the faith life of these schools was evidenced in the way students interacted with one another—with respect, kindness, and a clear sense of purpose. It is clear that in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Catholic education is thriving, innovative, and deeply committed to forming the next generation of disciples.
FACTS is dedicated to making educational dreams possible for families and students while enhancing the financial stability and affordability of education. Serving over 12,000 schools worldwide and more than three million students and families, FACTS provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to support administrators and learners alike in delivering exceptional educational experiences. FACTS works with many Catholic schools and dioceses across the United States and is proud to power the NCEA “Bright Lights of Catholic Education” tour, continuing its commitment to Catholic education for years to come.
